A RAPIST who sexually abused a young girl in Wilmslow has been jailed thanks to the bravery and courage of his victim.

Gerard King, who put the girl through ‘truly horrifying systematic abuse’, has been put behind bars for 15 years.

The 59-year-old was found guilty of one count of rape of a child and seven counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14 following a five day trial at Chester Crown Court, which concluded on Monday, April 25.

King, of Rochdale Road, Bury, returned to court the following day and was sentenced to 15 years in prison, plus one year on extended licence.

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King, who previously lived in the Wilmslow area, was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Knutsford Guardian: Gerard KingGerard King

During the trial the court heard that King systematically abused the victim for three years in the 1990s.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Lee Ferris, who led the investigation, said: “Firstly, I would like to recognise the bravery and determination that the victim has shown throughout this investigation.

“She had previously reported the offences, on several occasions, to numerous professional agencies, but had never built up the courage or received the support she needed to take the case further.

“When she came forward to police in 2020 we provided her with the specialist help and support she need to ensure that she was able to tell her story.

“What King put her through was truly horrifying, he systematically abused her over a three-year period in order to fulfil his own sexual gratification.

“Not only that, but he also made her endure a trial and recount what he had done, which was extremely distressing.

"But thanks to her courage, he is now facing the consequences of his actions.

“The sentence handed to King reflects the severity of his crime and I hope that his conviction will encourage other victims to come forward.

“As this case demonstrates, we treat all reports of historic sexual offences seriously and we will always do our best to ensure offenders are brought to justice.”

Anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse should contact Cheshire Police on 101, cheshire.police.uk/ or Crimestoppers anonymously  0800 555 111.